Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ ©2017
FLAGSTAFF — While local festival goers sought shelter under canopies during the heart of the 90-degree day, members of Mariachi Herencia Musica said it felt like winter to them as their hometown of Tucson suffered through a 110 degree day.
The local heat did not deter the Flagstaff crowd as nearly 400 attended the 2017 Summertime Tardeada Mariachi & Folklorico Festival held in the parking lot of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on June 24.
The 4th annual event was presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
The Tardeada, a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history, also featured performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff; Desierto de Colores Ballet Folklorico — Holbrook; Mariachi Inspiración from Tucson and Northern Latin Express.
The event also included a tribute to Hispanic veterans in the region, a recognition of the 90th anniversary of the church, an “Oldies” car show, a raffle, Mexican and regular barbeque food sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.
A recuerdos program focusing on the history of the Hispanic community in the region was also held at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cultural Center “The Basement,” which is being renovated by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices.
The following day, Mariachi Herencia Musica performed during the annual summer Mariachi Mass held this year at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Flagstaff.
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